Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Easy Recipe for a Comforting Meal

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy chicken and dumplings on a chilly evening? I think not! This classic dish, a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, is now easier than ever to make thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Forget spending hours hovering over the stove; with this recipe, you can enjoy the same delicious, home-style flavor with minimal effort.

Chicken and dumplings boasts a rich history, deeply rooted in resourceful cooking. It originated as a way to stretch a single chicken into a hearty meal, using simple ingredients like flour, water, and broth to create satisfying dumplings. The dish quickly became a symbol of Southern hospitality and family gatherings, passed down through countless family recipes.

What makes crockpot chicken and dumplings so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of tender, shredded chicken, a rich and flavorful broth, and those soft, pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. The slow cooker method intensifies the flavors, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve on the stovetop. Plus, the convenience factor is unbeatable! Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot in the morning, and come home to a ready-made, comforting dinner that the whole family will adore. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• For the Dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Optional Add-ins:
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. First, we’re going to season our chicken. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy! We want that flavor to really penetrate the chicken.
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. You’re not trying to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a good sear on them. This will add a lot of flavor to the final dish.
3. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your crockpot. I like to arrange them in a single layer if possible.
4. Next, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the crockpot. Spread them evenly around the chicken. These vegetables will become wonderfully tender and flavorful as they cook.
5. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the broth. If not, you can add a little more broth or water.
6. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves to the crockpot. These herbs will infuse the broth with a delicious aroma and flavor.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable when it’s done.

Shredding the Chicken:

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot using tongs. Place it on a cutting board.
2. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaves.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Making the Dumplings:

1. While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed, as this is what will make the dumplings light and fluffy.
2. In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will result in tough dumplings. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.

Cooking the Dumplings:

1. Increase the crockpot to high heat.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken broth. I like to use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to ensure the dumplings are uniform in size. Don’t overcrowd the crockpot; you may need to cook the dumplings in batches.
3. If you’re using frozen peas and corn, add them to the crockpot now.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy. The dumplings should be puffed up and golden brown on top. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into a dumpling; it should come out clean.

Serving:

1. Once the dumplings are cooked, turn off the crockpot and let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• For a richer flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. You’ll need to cook them for a longer period of time, but the flavor will be worth it! Remove the skin before shredding the chicken.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms.
• Use cream of chicken soup: For a creamier sauce, you can add a can of cream of chicken soup to the crockpot along with the chicken broth.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot for a little bit of heat.
• Bisquick dumplings: If you’re short on time, you can use Bisquick to make the dumplings. Follow the instructions on the box.
• Store leftovers: Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: While you can freeze chicken and dumplings, the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Troubleshooting:

• Dumplings are too doughy: Make sure you’re not overcrowding the crockpot and that the dumplings are cooked through. If they’re still doughy after 20 minutes, cook them for a few more minutes.
• Dumplings are too hard: Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough dumplings.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to the crockpot.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

This recipe is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Remember to adjust the seasonings to your liking and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that because I wrote it. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, a comforting hug on a plate, and incredibly easy to throw together. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle, well, anything else! The creamy, flavorful broth, the tender chicken, and those perfectly soft dumplings – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

What makes this recipe so special, in my opinion, is its versatility. While I’ve outlined my favorite way to make it, feel free to get creative! Want to add more vegetables? Go for it! Carrots, celery, peas, green beans – they all work beautifully. Looking for a spicier kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different herbs and spices. A little thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf can add a unique depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings. Just cut them into smaller pieces before adding them to the crockpot.
• To make it even easier, use a rotisserie chicken! Just shred the meat and add it to the crockpot.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to make the dumplings.

But honestly, the best part about this recipe is how forgiving it is. Don’t worry about being perfect. Just throw everything in the crockpot, let it simmer, and enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or potlucks with friends and family. It’s a dish that brings people together, and that’s what cooking is all about, right?

I truly believe that this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

I can’t wait to hear about your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings success stories! Enjoy!